Category: Engineering & Mining

Chemical Engineering

WHAT IS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?

Chemical Engineering is a science and an art dealing with the relationship of physical and chemical changes. The chemical engineer understands how and why a given process works. He/she is able to design, set up and operate equipment to carry out the process. In general, a chemical engineer must be able to apply a scientific understanding in an integrated manner to solve real problems. A chemical engineer is a creative person who requires fundamental working tools such as physical and chemical concepts, logical mind and an aptitude for the practical application of mathematics. The use of these tools permits the various principles to be achieved.

WHERE DO CHEMICAL ENGINEERS WORK?

Many graduates work in different and exciting workplaces – not only in the expected settings of the mining and petrochemical industries, but also in a wide variety of process-based disciplines, such as the food, beverage, paint, cement, lime, disposal of waste and pharmaceutical industries. Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, food processing, specialty chemicals, microelectronics, electronic and advanced materials, polymers, business services, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

On a typical day at work, Chemical Engineers conduct research on the job to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes. Not only that, they also develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions. Chemical engineers also perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacturing of new products and test proposed processes in small scale operation, such as pilot plant. Although specific duties may vary, many of them design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations and implement those measurement and control system at the industrial plant scale.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?

Chemical Engineers work for at least 8 hours on a normal work day. In a typical work week, they are expected to work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on the type of industry, some Chemical Engineers are required in shifts such as day shifts and night shifts.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Chemical engineering is marketable for the fact that one can work anywhere so long as it’s a manufacturing industry or laboratory based industry. The companies include Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, Chilanga Cement, Copper mining and processing companies, analytical laboratories like SGS or Alfred H Knight etc.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

Chemical engineering is undeniably challenging, it involves a lot of physics and maths. That been said, it is important for one to possess the following qualities: analytical skills (chemical engineers must be able to figure out why a particular design does not work as planned), ingenuity, creativity, math skills and problem-solving skills to mention a few.

WHERE CAN I STUDY CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, FOR HOW LONG, TO EARN WHAT QUALIFICATION?

The program is offered at the Copperbelt University for a period of five years. A bachelor’s degree is earned upon successful completion.

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS, FLUID MECHANICS, CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES, CHEMISTRY, ENGINEERING LABS. AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS, HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN, REACTOR ENGINEERING, ENGINEERING LABS. AND DESIGN PROJECT, SEPARATION PROCESSES, PROCESS EQUIPMENT DESIGN, PROCESS CONTROL, DESIGN PROJECT, MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY CONTROL, PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY to mention a few.

The programme has five elective courses at fifth year of study. The options include; Combustion and Energy Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, Industrial Waste Management, Polymer Science and Technology and Biotechnology Processes.

WHAT MODE OF STUDY ARE AVAILABLE?

This is a five-year programme available on full time.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

The particular requirements are five GCE ‘O’ Level credits or better in the Zambian School Certification or its equivalent as follows: A Pass in English Language plus;

Schedule A: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry

Schedule B: Physical Science, Biology and Science

Schedule C: Additional Maths, Metal/Wood Works, Geography and History

The above is the case for CBU, being the only university in the country offering bachelor’s degree in the field of chemical engineering.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?

As a case for Zambia, the only program of study that can make someone a Chemical Engineer is a diploma in the same field. He/she is eligible to upgrade to a degree level and subsequently, do advanced studies at one’s personal preference. Some jobs in the mineral processing industry in the Copper mines or Limestone mines for production of cement, a metallurgist can work in the same position as a chemical engineer.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

CBU under The Chemical Engineering Department has an established expertise in the following areas of research interest; Renewable Energy, Petrochemical Engineering, Chemical Technologies and Processing Beneficiation of Minerals and Processing Bio-chemical Processes, Environmental Management, Polymer Science and Technology, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Cement & Lime Production, Nano Technology, Heat and Mass Transfer Systems, Thermodynamic systems, Transport phenomena and Membrane Technology.

Drawing on the problem-solving skills that are central to the discipline, many CEOs of large companies have combined chemical engineering with a business-related qualification, such as an MBA. Many more work in niche consultancies or run their own businesses. There are also endless opportunities in research and development.

Agriculture & Natural Resources Management Engineering & Mining

Agricultural Engineering

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER?

Agricultural Engineering, also known as Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is the field of study that deals in the application of engineering science and designs principles for agricultural purposes. It combines the various disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to improve the efficiency of farm and agribusiness enterprises. An agricultural engineer is a person who has studied agricultural engineering. They apply their knowledge of engineering to solve engineering problems in the agricultural industry.

WHERE DO AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS WORK?

Agricultural engineers work for the government or government agencies such as Food Reserve Agency (FRA) or the Ministry of Agriculture as management supervisors, agricultural engineering designers, field trainers and consultants on agricultural and bio systems engineering facilities, systems and technologies.

Agricultural engineers can also work for agricultural engineering firms and companies such as CAMCO Equipment, Syngenta and Lamasat. These companies supply farmers with agricultural equipment and machinery such as irrigation systems, boom sprayers, tractors, combine harvesters, shellers, hammer mills etc. Agricultural engineers are employed to work on farms and in other agricultural companies like Seed Co Ltd or National Milling where they manage such equipment and provide engineering solutions to diverse problems.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

The work of an agricultural engineer mainly involves designing systems, components, or processes to meet the desired needs for agricultural production. Such systems include irrigation systems, drainage and flood water control systems and agricultural product processing (harvesting, shelling, milling, sorting, packaging, etc.). The agricultural engineer must identify engineering problems in agricultural production and formulate cost-effective solutions for them. Thereafter, they plan and supervise the construction or implementation of such solutions. An example of an engineering solution is automation of harvesting systems or improving efficiency of fertilizer application. Agricultural engineers also make sure agricultural machinery remains in good working order by carrying out routine safety checks, maintenance and repair works.

Other agricultural engineers work in the manufacturing industry for companies that make agricultural equipment and machinery. Here, the engineers are required to design such machinery and to come up with ways of improving their efficiency and safety. The engineers provide specific guidance on how the machines should be made.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER?

The typical work schedule of an agricultural engineer is 08:00hrs-17:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

The agriculture sector is increasingly becoming mechanised to improve crop production and yield so as to meet the growing demand for food. This has resulted in an increased demand for agricultural engineers.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

To be an agricultural engineer you must have an interest in mathematics, science and technology. You must also have good problem-solving skills and be ready to work with tools and machines.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

In the first year, the courses covered are A’ level Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. In the following years, some of the courses covered are Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Farm Power and Machinery, Food Process Engineering, Engineering Management & Society, Agricultural Machinery Design, Instrumentation and Process Control, Agricultural Structures and Infrastructures, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Renewable Energy Sources and Agricultural Mechanization.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

The entry requirements for this program are five O’ level credits or better inclusive of Mathematics, English and Science. The degree program is very competitive and so you need to have scored at least 12 points in your best 6 subjects at grade 12 to stand a good chance of being selected.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

After obtaining your degree in agricultural engineering, you may upgrade to a master’s in the same field. Holding such a higher qualification along with job experience will enable you to be employed in higher positions where you may be supervising a team of engineers or working in a managerial position. A master’s also qualifies you to work as a lecturer in a university.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (Degree) / 2 years (Master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 292792
E-mail: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/engineering/departments/agricultural-engineering

NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +0211-282496
E-mail: info@nrdc.biz
Website: www.nrdc.biz/students.html

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part- Time
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Tel: +260 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm

Aviation Engineering & Mining

Aeronautical Engineering

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS AN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER?

This is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing and production of aircraft and related systems. They use mathematics and other problem-solving skills to change theories into working designs that are then built and operated. A person who is skilled in aeronautical engineering is thus called an aeronautical engineer. Aeronautical engineers design, build and test planes. It is worth mentioning that aeronautical engineering is different from astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers deal with planes, helicopters and drones while astronautical engineers deal with satellites and rocket ships. Aerospace engineering is the field of engineering that where one finds both aeronautical and astronautical engineering.

WHERE DO AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERS WORK?

Aeronautical engineers work with commercial and private airlines such as Proflight Zambia. They are also employed by airports such as Kenneth Kaunda and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe international airports. Aeronautical engineers may also work for the military especially the air force and with the government. They also work with companies that make planes or helicopters or spare parts for these machines.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

The tasks involved in the work of an aeronautical engineer mostly include line maintenance. This can be defined as any maintenance that is carried out before the flight to ensure that the plane is fit for the flight. Line maintenance includes trouble shooting (looking for the problem) and fixing the problem that has been found with the plane. It also involves replacement of the components from systems such as the engine and propellers when they have been damaged or are not working well. The engineers also perform scheduled maintenance that includes a visual inspection (they look at the planes) to check for any obvious failures. They also carry out minor repairs and changes in the case where a minor fault is found. If a major fault is found, they stop the plane from taking flight until proper repairs have been done.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER?

Aeronautical engineers working at airports typically work in shifts (day or night) and may even work over the weekends. This is because airports are open 24/7 and before every flight, an engineer has to do a pre-flight check of the plane to make sure that the plane is safe for flight.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

The biggest employing sector for aeronautical engineers includes airports such as the international airports found in Lusaka, Southern and Copperbelt provinces. Another major employer of these engineers in Zambia are the private and commercial airlines so that their planes are maintained and serviced appropriately.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

Aeronautical engineering requires that someone be imaginative, analytical and investigative. This is because the component of their work that requires them to design planes and parts of the planes requires those characteristics. An interest in mathematics, physics and technical drawing from high school will make the study of this program even more interesting.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

The courses covered include aerodynamics, aircraft designs, aircraft systems and performance, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics, engineering mathematics, material science, modelling and simulation, composite materials, aircraft structures, control and flight dynamics, propulsion, numerical computing and statistics, aircraft control systems engineering, aviation law, helicopter aerodynamics, vibration and aero-elasticity, human factors in aviation and management studies.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Generally, credits or better in 5 subjects including Mathematics, English and Science (physics and chemistry) on the grade 12 certificate are the minimum entry requirements for both the diploma and degree. The degree program starts with entry into the university school of natural sciences where you make points to later on enter aeronautical engineering. Entry into the school of natural sciences is very competitive and to stand a good chance of selection you need to have scored at least 10 points in 5 subjects at grade 12.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Aeronautical engineering can be advanced by getting a master’s or a PhD. This is either so that one gets into academics by teaching at a university or it may be to expand ones knowledge of plane designs and operations. The education may include opportunities for solving problems and creating great designs to find solutions in the industry.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 or +260 212 290817 or +260 212 290815
E-mail: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees/

ZAMBIA AIR SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: Engineering School
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: (+260) 211 271293
E-mail: admissions@zasti.ac.zm
Website: www.zasti.ac.zm/engineering.php